How to get commercial truck license plates in Florida?

For those operating commercial vehicles in Florida, it is essential to understand in detail the process of registering commercial truck license plates and the requirements for application. Having this knowledge is crucial not only for successfully starting a trucking company but also for renewing commercial trucking insurance.

First, it’s important to understand that residents operating trucks and tractors for commercial purposes in Florida must register those vehicles within the state. Additionally, non-residents must also register their vehicles in Florida if they are employed in the state, if their children attend Florida public schools or have a way to prove that they have properties (physical addresses) in this State.

In this blog, we will guide you through the steps to register or renew commercial license plates, providing important information that will help you make informed decisions for your trucking business.

How to get a commercial vehicle registration?

For your vehicle to be registered as a commercial vehicle, you must meet the following requirements:

Commercial vehicle registration for the first time

When applying for a commercial truck registration for the first time, you’ll need to have the following documents ready.

Keep in mind this:

For a Local plate: Proof of residency is not required, but you need the title to the vehicle, the 2290 Road Tax is a must, and proof of financing is required if the truck is being financed.

For an Apportioned plate: you must present three proofs of address (residence or premises). The title to the vehicle and the Liability. Additionally, you must present the 2290 Road Tax and have proof of vehicle financing if applicable.

• Vehicle title deed.
• A current certificate of insurance providing proof of Liability coverage, which should include the coverage name, policy number, and the name of the insurance company.
• Owner identification (license).

Commercial vehicle registration renewal

Some of the documents required for registration will be similar to those requested when applying for registration for the first time:

• Submit the last registration issued. If you don’t have this document, you can provide the license plates, title number, or vehicle identification number (VIN).
• Liability 
• 2290 Road Tax 
• Proof of financing if applicable 
• ID of the person or company

General aspects about Florida License Plates

In Florida, all license plates must be renewed in accordance with state statutes. Before requesting a license plate, you must specify the intended use of the vehicle you wish to register. The category assigned to the license plate and its associated rate will depend on this information, allowing you to successfully register the truck.

For local plates, the plate itself does not change; but the sticker is renewed. For apportioned plates, the plate (the metal) is renewed every year.

Plate types

In Florida, commercial trucks can have this plates:

Standard Plates (local)

Many standard license plate options are offered in Florida, including the County ID license plate, the ”Sunshine State” license plate, and the ”In God We Trust” license plate.

Apportioned Plates 

They apply to commercial or cargo vehicles operating in different states or jurisdictions. Under this system, the vehicle owner pays taxes and registration fees based on the proportion of miles or kilometers driven in each jurisdiction compared to the total miles or kilometers driven in all jurisdictions.

How to apply for commercial plates for the first time in Florida?

Here is the general step-by-step. However, we recommend you verify the information according to your current stay in the state and advise you with professionals in registering truck license plates to avoid errors, delays, and extra payments.

• Company registration

Before applying for commercial plates, ensure your business is registered in Florida and has the necessary permits and licenses to operate legally. If you do not have a company, you can also do it in the name of a person, this is the typical case of owner-operators.

• Prepare the necessary documentation

Gather all the documents required for your commercial license plate application:

• Truck title or lease.
• Proof of address or residence.
• Certificate of commercial insurance.
• Personal identification such as a driver’s license or passport.
• Employer identification number.

• Make the request

You must formally submit your application to the DMV (Florida Department of Motor Vehicles) and complete the required forms. For this, it is always recommended to have experts in truck permits so that said request is fast, does not present errors, and you do not have to make additional payments.

• Fee payment

Rates may vary depending on the license plate type and the truck’s weight. Remember that you must comply with said payment when managing your request so that the process can be smooth and unnecessary delays are avoided.

• Wait for approval

After you have submitted the application and paid the corresponding fees, you must wait for the application to be processed. If any inconvenience or additional information is required, you will be contacted to provide the missing data. This process can take approximately two days for local plates, and apportioned plates around four business days.

There is also the possibility of receiving your plates directly at the door of your house, as long as the application process has been carried out with experts in the registration of commercial plates, such as Personal Truck Services. In this way, you will save time and avoid the hassle of standing in long lines.

How to apply for commercial plate renewal in Florida?

If what you need is to renew your commercial license plates, these are the steps you must follow:

• Periodicity: Florida plates must be renewed annually before they expire. Apportioned plates expire 12 months after purchase, the local plates expire in May or December after purchase.
• Notification: DHSMV usually sends a renewal notice by mail or email before expiration. However, the responsibility to complete the license plate renewal on time rests entirely with the vehicle owner.
• Auto Insurance: You must have valid auto insurance registered in Florida to be able to renew your plates.
• Payment of fees: You must pay the required renewal fees, which vary based on vehicle type and other factors.

Commercial truck license plates cost

The cost of the commercial plate depends on various factors, including the type of vehicle and the gross vehicle weight. The standard value ranges from 100 USD to 1,800 USD, but it is subject to change.

In summary,

Applying for your commercial plates in  Florida can be simple and easy. Having expert allies in Trucking permits is crucial, which can take your application process from start to finish, saving you time and possible rework.

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